CONFIRMATION has been given that Coillte will not be appealing a decision for a refusal to removal of an 850-acre plantation in West Connemara.

The semi-state forestry company were denied planning last month for the removal of thousands of trees and the implementation of a peatland rehabilitation project at Derryclare in the Inagh Valley.

They have confirmed that they will not be appealing this refusal despite their intention for a 10-year project for a major bogland rehabilitation project.

The ten-year project would have seen the removal of commercial Sitka and pine trees, the establishment of native forestry and rewetting an extensive area of Atlantic blanket bog.

However, last month, Galway County Council refused planning permission citing possible “adverse impacts” on the integrity of adjacent special areas of conservation (SACs) and sensitive areas to which the Derryclare site is linked.

In a statement today, the semi-state forest management company said it remains fully committed to its ambition to redesign 30,000 hectares of peatland forests by 2050 for climate and ecological benefits.

It said Coillte will now “engage with its key stakeholders, including Galway County Council, to work through potential options for delivering on its ambition going forward”.

Last month, Galway County Council refused permission on the grounds that the proposed felling of the extensive plantation would have an adverse impact on the integrity of the Twelve Bens/Garraun Complex Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

Permission was being sought by Coillte Teoranta for the felling and removal of the 850 acres of conifer plantation for the purposes of peatland restoration and the establishment of native woodland.

Pictured: The Derryclare-Lough Inagh area of Conamara: Spectacular natural beauty.